Head Injuries
We’ve come to understand that even minor head injuries can be much more serious than we previously thought with the potential for long-term and even permanent damage. Here are some common head injuries that can result from a car accident:
- Concussion. Due to the increase in public awareness, concussion is probably the most well known head injuries. A concussion occurs when the forces exerted on the head are severe enough to cause a brain injury when the brain moves within the skull.
- Hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood or a blood clot outside the blood vessels. A hematoma in the brain can be very serious, putting pressure on the brain and possibly causing permanent brain damage.
- Hemorrhage. Hemorrhaging is uncontrolled bleeding. A car accident can cause hemorrhaging around or inside the brain, which is a very serious injury.
- Edema. Edema is a medical term for swelling, and can be very serious when it occurs in the brain because it causes the brain to press against the skull.
- Skull fracture. The head trauma caused by a car accident can result in a skull fracture when you strike your head against the interior of the vehicle.
As you might imagine, a serious car accident can result in more than one of these injuries, and many of them often occur simultaneously.
Back Injuries
Due to the forces involved, car accidents can also result is serious back injuries.
- Spinal fractures. A spinal fracture occurs when the vertebrae in your spine are broken.
- Herniated discs. Between each of the vertebrae, there is a small cushion of cartilage designed to act as a shock absorber. In some cases, the force of the accident can cause these discs to bulge or slip and press on the surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can cause a great deal of pain.
- Spondylolisthesis. This is a medical term for when your spine is knocked out of alignment. This can also cause nerve pain, numbness, and a loss of mobility.
- Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury is probably the most serious injury you can suffer. It occurs when the actual spinal cord is damaged.
Similar to head injuries, it’s often the case that you may have suffered more than one back injury if you’ve been in a serious car accident.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are quite common in car accidents, particularly if you were rear-ended. If you’ve suffered a back or head injury, it’s likely that you have suffered a neck injury as well.
- Whiplash. This is the most common neck injury. It is a soft tissue injury that is caused by sudden and violent back and forth movement of the head similar to the cracking of a whip. Whiplash can cause headaches, neck pain, and loss of flexibility. In some cases, it can lead to long-term complications and chronic pain.
- Neck sprain. Very similar to whiplash, car accidents can also cause you to strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
Your future is your most valuable asset, and serious injuries can affect your life for years to come. If you’ve been injured in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Slappey & Sadd have been representing accident victims across Georgia since 1992. We have the skills and experience to protect your future and help you make a full recovery. Call us cat 888-474-9616 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.